Cucumber Carrot Salad Recipe

Simple Italian carrot and cucumber salad tossed in a light apple cider vinaigrette with chives and green onion.

This cucumber carrot salad recipe is crisp, fresh, and so easy to make. It’s tossed in a light apple cider vinaigrette with dill and chives, so it’s brighter and less heavy than mayo-based or sesame-style versions. Ready in 10 minutes, it’s the perfect simple side for spring and summer.

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Serving servings

Ingredients

The Salad:

2 English cucumbers, or garden cucumbers
2 cups grated carrots, (about 2 - 3 large carrots)
2 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
2 tablespoon chopped chives
2 spring onions, sliced (green + white parts)

Apple Cider Vinaigrette:

2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 ½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon cold water
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 - 2 teaspoon honey, based on your desired level of sweetness
¼ teaspoon salt, more to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Prep the cucumbers: Peel (if needed) and slice the cucumbers into thin, even rounds. You can use a knife or a mandoline.
Grate the carrots: Peel and grate the carrots using a box grater (I use the largest setting).
Combine the salad: Add the sliced cucumbers, grated carrots, dill, chives, and spring onion to a large mixing bowl.
Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients until well combined.
Toss everything together: Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and carrots. Toss until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve or chill: Serve immediately for the best crunch, or refrigerate for 20 minutes to let the flavors develop and the salad chill.

Notes

Use the right cucumbers: English or Persian cucumbers work best since they’re less watery and stay crisp longer.

Grate carrots fresh: Freshly grated carrots have better texture and absorb the dressing better than pre-shredded.

For the best texture: Toss the salad right before serving to keep it crisp. If you let it sit, the cucumbers will soften slightly.

Make ahead tip: You can prep the veggies in advance, but store the dressing separately and toss before serving.

Adjust sweetness: Add more or less honey depending on your preference.

Vinegar swap: Red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar works well instead of apple cider vinegar.

Nutrition

Course Salad, Side

Cuisine American, Italian

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